Filter Queen Question

[hydralique]

I just snagged my first Filter Queen on eBay! I don't have it yet but it's brown and chrome with the classic FQ grid pattern on the side, brown hose and chrome powerhead. Also has the cord reel, it's the model I've wanted for some time . . . does it sound like a D-33?

My question involves the FQ filter cones. On eBay many of them are noted as being for the Majestic series. This vac is clearly pre-Majestic, what are the differences in the filter cones and are they interchangeable? If not when did the second series of cones come in?

Thanks for all answers! I've had Hoovers, Compacts and Kirbys but never a Filter Queen.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

FQ cones are interchangeable. Materials are different but they will all fit. The later cones are better filters

 

[tennblondie78]

You might

also look into getting a Medipure filter as well. It goes on top of the white cone filter. You can buy OEM Filter Queen filters pretty cheap on ebay. You may already know this, but only use genuine FQ filter cones. They really are better than aftermarket ones. Congratulations on your FQ! I have a brown one too and I love it! BTW, I'm a paid member of both AW and Vacuumland, but this is my first post in Vacuumland.

 

[countryguy]

Welcome to vacuumland! I've followed your posts on AW and I'm sure your mechanical knowledge with come in handy around here.

Gary

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

tennblondie78

Great point about using genuine FQ filters. They really are far superior to the aftermarket ones.

 

[jade_angel]

It's also worth mentioning that all the tools are interchangeable between all Filter Queens from the earliest models through the 95x, at least. Only the Triple Crown and 360 use different tools, and even those can be used with older ones if you use the right hose. All the machine-hose connections are identical.

 

[hydralique]

Got the FQ!

Thanks for the nice comments, I’ve been on Vacuumland for awhile but don’t post a lot. Mainly I’ve had a few Hoovers, some Compacts and a Kirby Legend II. The intent with the FQ D-33 is to replace the Legend II as daily driver. Kirbys are unbeatable on carpet but IMO the tools are a PITA to install. My working Compacts are older and don’t have a power head, plus I really love the cord rewinder and on board tool storage of the FQ.

So far the FQ looks good - the motor sounds strong on both speeds, the dirt compartment is sparkling inside and the cord reel works smoothly. The hose is well used as are some attachments but the powerhead is pristine aside from needing a belt. Unfortunately it wasn’t packed well enough so the crevice tool holder broke off the tool caddy, but there is a reproduction caddy in brown available. I’m going to order a new OEM FQ-9684 8' black hose from VacParts Warehouse. It’s pricey and doesn’t match the brown cleaner but I’ve seen some bad comments on the aftermarket 7' brown hoses available, for a daily driver I’ll overlook the color in favor of something that really works.

Now for the most vexing problem: the two side clamps appear normal and have the tiny rubber bumpers on top but they don’t clamp strongly to either the motor unit or the dolly so picking the vac up by the handle often results in everything becoming disconnected. I am sure this is not a bojacked machine; the motor unit, dolly and dust bin are correct for the D-33 and the tools and wands were still in the original long FQ box along with original literature. I am going to add some more foam shims on top of the dolly to raise the dust bin a hair and see if the clamp bottoms will work better but that doesn’t fix the loose top. Maybe I should order a new rubber top dustbin seal too? If anyone with old FQ experience can chime in on this it would be much appreciated, so long as I can’t safely pick the machine up it really can’t be used.

 

[beerad]

Pics

Please)

 

[hydralique]

Made some progress . . .

After looking at the parts blowup on VacParts Warehouse I realized the side clamps have springs. Mine seemed to be complete but with no spring action in one and very little in the other. A bit of careful and judicious bending brought back spring action and then the top motor section stayed on. Putting an old carpet pad shim under the dirt bin made it sit a tiny bit higher and thus the clamps worked better. It appears there should be no tension on the bottom rubber flange from the clamps until the vac is picked up by the handle, at which point it lifts a bit until the clamp arms pull up against the rubber flange.

So far this works, although given how heavy the dolly is and how much the FQ cost when new it seems silly they didn’t add a third clamp. That way if one clamp didn’t grab at least the other two would hold and it wouldn’t fall apart immediately. I am surprised at how loose it feels; maybe this is one of the reasons they discontinued the heavy cord reel. A third clamp would have been a nicer solution IMO.

Before sending in the order for FQ parts I discovered that the Kirby needs a new bushroll due to a scratchy bearing, poor thing has asked for nothing for years but I guess the appearance of the FQ has made it jealous!

Pic below as Beerad requested. It’s the one off eBay and shows an extra turquoise dusting brush. When I opened the package it turned out to be for an older Compact so at least it’s something useable for me. I’m guessing the original owner of the FQ bought a Compact in the ‘60s and then replaced it with the FQ about ‘82. Happily the FQ came with a decent array of attachments including the 14" floor tool. The two extra straight wands have FQ fittings but are clearly not OEM as tools fit so tight I’m afraid to use them for fear of something getting stuck. Regrettably, no hair dryer attachment but then again I keep my hair shorter than my beard so can live without it

 

[beerad]

Nice pic

I like the extra large floor brush

 

[filterboy244]

Love the chrome Power Nozzle

 

[tennblondie78]

Thanks for the welcome, Gary! That looks awesome!! I like the chrome powerhead better than my brown one. I may find one for mine.